Remote activated animal decoy system and method

The subject matter relates generally to animal decoys and more particularly to a remote activated animal decoy (or attracting) system and method.

It is common to utilize decoys as a hunting aid when hunting certain types of animals, such as deer, bear, and turkeys. However, the effectiveness of decoys is often limited due to limitations in emulating appearance and natural movements of wild animals. For example, deer communicate by using certain body movement, such as movement of the tail in a back-and-forth motion or flipping of the tail up and down (flagging). Most animal decoys have no, or very limited, ability to move and emulate an animal's natural body movement. Therefore, such decoys do not always provide a realistic appearance since they are not capable of suitably emulating an animal's natural body movement and are often fixed in one position. Consequently, such decoys cannot mimic certain communications between the animals that would be advantageous in attracting an animal into closer range. Therefore, new approaches are needed for providing decoys that have a realistic lifelike appearance and that mimic an animal's natural body movements.

In one embodiment a remote activated moveable animal decoy system is provided. The remote activated moveable animal decoy system may include an animal decoy; a motor; a mounting rod, wherein the mounting rod is configured to be coupled to the motor at a first end of the mounting rod and to the animal decoy at a second end of the mounting rod, and wherein the motor is configured to impart motion to the rod, and thereby the animal decoy, upon actuation of the motor; a power source, wherein the power source is configured to provide power to the motor; a base, wherein the base is configured for supporting the remote activated moveable animal decoy system upon a ground surface, and wherein one or more of the motor, the power source, a communications interface, and/or a controller is housed within the base; and a remote activation device, wherein the remote activation device is configured to actuate the motor remotely. The motor may include a servo motor. The power source may include a battery pack. The base may include one or more anchor mechanisms for anchoring the system to a ground surface. The animal decoy may include a turkey decoy. The animal decoy may be removable from the connecting rod. The motor may be configure to move the connecting rod between a first position and a second position, wherein in the first position the connecting rod is generally vertical and substantially perpendicular to a ground surface and in the second position the connecting rod is at an angle less than 90 degrees relative to the ground surface. The motor may be configure to move the connecting rod from a first position to a second position and then back and forth between the second position and a third position, wherein in the first position the connecting rod is generally vertical and substantially perpendicular to a ground surface, in the second position the connecting rod is at an angle less than 90 degrees relative to the ground surface, and in the third position the connecting rod is at an angle relative to the ground surface between that of the first position of the connecting rod and that of the second position of the connecting rod. The animal decoy may include a slit formed in its underside, wherein the connecting rod passes therethrough when installed thereon, and wherein the slit is configured to allow the animal decoy to rock forward and backward the width of the slit, as well as up and down, as the connecting rod is moved back and forth between the second position and third position. The up and down and backward and forward movement of the animal decoy mimics an animal's head bobbing up and down during feeding.

In another embodiment a method of using a remote activated moveable animal decoy system is provided. The method may include providing a remote activated moveable animal decoy system. The remote activated moveable animal decoy system may include an animal decoy; a motor; a mounting rod, wherein the mounting rod is configured to be coupled to the motor at a first end of the mounting rod and to the animal decoy at a second end of the mounting rod, and wherein the motor is configured to impart motion to the rod, and thereby the animal decoy, upon actuation of the motor; a power source, wherein the power source is configured to provide power to the motor; a base, wherein the base is configured for supporting the remote activated moveable animal decoy system upon a ground surface, and wherein one or more of the motor, the power source, a communications interface, and/or a controller is housed within the base; and a remote activation device, wherein the remote activation device is configured to actuate the motor remotely. The method may further include positioning the animal attracting system in a desired location; and actuating the animal attracting system via the remote activation device.

The subject matter now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all embodiments of the subject matter are shown. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout. The subject matter may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. Indeed, many modifications and other embodiments of the subject matter set forth herein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which the subject matter pertains having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the subject matter is not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims.

In some embodiments, the subject matter provides a remote activated animal decoy system and method.

In some embodiments, the remote activated animal decoy system and method may provide an animal decoy that is movable in a manner that emulates an animal's natural movement and thereby provide an animal attracting or attraction system.

In some embodiments, the remote activated animal decoy system and method may provide an animal decoy that is moveable on a mounting rod and a remote control activation device.

In some embodiments, the remote activated animal decoy system and method may provide an animal decoy system capable of mounting on the ground.

In some embodiments, the remote activated animal decoy system and method may provide an animal decoy, such as a turkey decoy, that is movable in a manner that replicates or mimics a turkey feeding and thereby provide a system for attracting turkeys.

In some embodiments, the remote activated animal decoy system and method may provide a moveable animal decoy that may include a motor, such as a servo motor, for moving the animal decoy in a motion from about a vertical with respect to the ground and wherein the motor is preferably remote actuated in either wired or wireless fashion.

In some embodiments, the remote activated animal decoy system and method may provide a moveable animal decoy that may include a motor for moving the animal decoy from about vertical with respect to the ground to, for example, to some degree less than 90 degrees with respect to the ground.

In some embodiments, the remote activated animal decoy system and method may include a moveable turkey decoy and thereby providing a remote activated turkey decoy system and method.

In some embodiments, the remote activated animal decoy system and method may provide a moveable turkey decoy that may include a motor for moving the turkey decoy from about vertical with respect to the ground to, for example, about 45 degrees or more in the direction of the turkey decoy's head.

In some embodiments, the remote activated animal decoy system and method may provide a moveable animal decoy system that is controllable in wireless fashion using a mobile app running on a mobile device, such as a mobile phone (or smart phone), a tablet device, a smartwatch, and the like.

In some embodiments, the remote activated animal decoy system and method may provide an animal decoy system that may be used to attract various types of animals, both large and small, for example, but not limited to turkey, bear, deer, moose, elk, rabbit, squirrel, or any other animal.

In some embodiments, the remote activated animal decoy system and method may provide an animal decoy system that is usable in multiple applications, such as, but not limited to, hunting applications, animal control applications, animal study applications, and/or the like.

The animal decoy (or attracting) system and method will be described in more detail below with reference tothrough.

Referring now tois a block diagram of an example of an animal decoy (or attracting) system, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure.

The animal decoy systemmay be an animal attracting or attraction system that may be used with multiple types of animal or wildlife decoys, such as, but not limited to turkey, bear, deer, moose, elk, rabbit, squirrel, or any other animal.

In this example, the animal decoy systemmay include a base enclosurethat may house, for example, a controller, a motor, a communications interface, and/or a power source. The base enclosuremay be any lightweight and durable enclosure, such as a plastic or metal (e.g., aluminum) enclosure.

The controllermay, for example, be a general-purpose or special-purpose controller or microprocessor, or other programmable data processing apparatus. Controllermay provide processing capabilities, such as storing, interpreting, and/or executing software instructions. Additionally, the controllermay be used to control the overall operations of the animal decoy system. The software instructions may comprise machine-readable code stored in non-transitory memory that is accessible by the controllerfor the execution of the instructions. The controllermay be configured and programmed to control data and/or power aspects of animal decoy system. Further, data storage (not shown) may be built into or provided separate from controller.

The motormay drive the motion of an animal decoy. In one example, the motormay be a servo motor. Further, the animal decoy systemis not limited to one motoronly. The animal decoy systemmay include one or more motorsdepending on the requirements thereof.

The communications interfacemay be any wired and/or wireless communication interface for connecting to a network or any other devices and by which information may be exchanged. Examples of wired communication interfaces may include, but are not limited to, USB ports, RS232 connectors, RJ45 connectors, Ethernet, and any combinations thereof. Examples of wireless communication interfaces may include, but are not limited to, an Intranet connection, Internet, ISM, Bluetooth® technology, Bluetooth® Low Energy (BLE) technology, Wi-Fi, Wi-Max, IEEE 402.11 technology, ZigBee technology, Z-Wave technology, 6LoWPAN technology (i.e., IPv6 over Low Power Wireless Area Network (6LoWPAN)), ANT or ANT+ (Advanced Network Tools) technology, radio frequency (RF), Infrared Data Association (IrDA) compatible protocols, Local Area Networks (LAN), Wide Area Networks (WAN), Shared Wireless Access Protocol (SWAP), cellular network, mobile hotspot network, any combinations thereof, and other types of wireless networking protocols.

Power sourcemay be any type of power source that can be used to power any electronic devices within animal decoy system. For example, the power sourcemay be a battery pack including one or more rechargeable or non-rechargeable batteries for supplying power to controller, motor, and/or communications interface. The animal decoymay be designed to mimic the look of any types of animal, both large and small, for example, but not limited to turkey, bear, deer, moose, elk, rabbit, squirrel, or any other animal. By way of example,throughshow an example of animal decoyin the form of a turkey decoy.

The animal decoymay be mechanically coupled to the motorvia, for example, a mounting rod. The mounting rodmay be a rod or bar formed, for example, of plastic, metal (e.g., aluminum), fiberglass, wood, or any other suitable material for supporting the weight of a moving animal decoy. Further, the base enclosuremay include one or more anchor mechanismsfor anchoring it to the ground or other mounting surface. The base enclosuremay be any size suitable to house the components of the animal decoy systemand suitable to physically and reliably support the operation of any animal decoy.

The animal decoy systemmay also include a remote control device. The remote control devicemay be any type of remote control device for connecting with communications interfaceusing any wired or wireless means. In one example, remote control devicemay be used to activate remotely the motorof the animal decoy system. In a hunting application, the remote control devicemay be handheld by a user (e.g., the hunter), or optionally mounted on a firearm, or other surface.

In one example, in the ON state, the animal decoymay be controlled to sweep from substantially vertical to some degree less than vertical (e.g., about 45 degrees or more downward) in one direction. That is, to repeatedly sweep back-and-forth between substantially vertical to some degree less than vertical. Returning to a stationary vertical position when turned OFF. An example of this action is shown and described below with reference tothrough. Accordingly, the remote control devicemay include one or multiple push buttons to activate and/or deactivate the motorand select the sweeping motion. More details of examples of animal decoy systemare shown and described below with reference tothrough.

Referring now tois a side view of an animal decoy system, which is one example implementation of the animal decoy (or attracting) systemshown in, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure.

The animal decoy systemmay be substantially the same as animal decoy systemshown inexcept that it shows a specific example of anchor mechanismsand is absent the animal decoy. That is, in this example, the base enclosuremay include one or more anchor ringswith corresponding metal stakesfor anchoring it to the ground. The anchor ringsand metal stakesare an example of the anchor mechanismsdescribed in animal decoy systemshown in. Here, the animal decoy systemis shown resting on the ground.

Additionally,shows a fastenerat the upper end of the mounting rod. The animal decoy systemis designed such that the fastenercan be removed, then the animal decoy installed on the mounting rod, then the fastenerreinstalled to hold the animal decoy. For example,is a side view of the animal decoy systemusing a turkey decoyand a fastenerin the form of a wingnut. The motormay drive the motion of the turkey decoy, as shown below inthrough.

In, the turkey decoyis an example of animal decoyof animal decoy system. In this example, the turkey decoymay be a turkey decoy that provides a lifelike decoy that mimics a turkey in shape, size, color, and detail. In one example, the turkey decoymay be formed using lightweight durable material, such as plastic, foam, wood, fiberglass, and/or other suitable material. Further, the turkey decoyis designed to be fitted on an upper portion of the mounting rod. For example, the turkey decoymay include a clearance channelthrough which the mounting rodmay pass.

Additionally, a slotmay be provided at the underside of the turkey decoy. The slotmay be oriented front-to-back (i.e., beak-to-tail) of the turkey decoy.

The slotallows the turkey decoyto rock slightly about the mounting rodwhen in operation (seethrough). Further, the top of the turkey decoymay be fitted with respect to the fastener, such that it allows the slight rocking motion of the turkey decoywith respect to the mounting rod. The turkey decoymay be a 3D or a 2D (i.e., a substantially flat) rendering of a turkey.

When using the turkey decoythe animal decoy systemmay be considered a turkey decoy system. Further, and referring still toand, remote control deviceis shown mounted on a shotgun. The shotgunis an example of the firearmof animal decoy systemshown in. Again, the remote control devicemay be a simple toggle pushbutton to activate and deactivate the motor.

The animal decoy systemis not limited to using the turkey decoyand being a turkey decoy system only. The animal decoy systemmay be any animal attracting or attraction system for any types of animals, such as, but not limited to turkey, bear, deer, moose, elk, rabbit, squirrel, or any other animal.

Referring now tois a top view of the animal decoy systemshown in, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure. However, in this view the animal decoy systemis shown absent the mounting rodwith the turkey decoy. The top plate portion of the base enclosureincludes an open slotto gain access to the motor. More specifically, the shaft portion of the motorhas a mounting rod receptaclefor receiving and holding the lower end of the mounting rod. A bolt or screw or nutmay be provided for tightening the mounting rod receptacleto the mounting rod. The open slotis suitably wide to allow the clearance for the mounting rodand its movement. The open slotis suitably long to allow the desired sweeping range of the mounting rodwhen the animal decoy systemis activated.

Referring now tothroughis side views showing an example of the animal decoy systemshown inin operation using the turkey decoy, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure. In this example, the intent of the operation of the animal decoy systemis to replicate or mimic the motion of a turkey feeding.

In the OFF state, the turkey decoymay be held substantially vertical with respect to the ground, as shown, for example, in. However, in the ON state, the turkey decoymay be controlled to operate with certain sweeping motions from substantially vertical (see) to some degree less than vertical (e.g., about 45 degrees or more) in the direction of the turkey head (seethrough). Below, the mounting rodsweeping forward means the mounting rodmoving away from vertical in the direction of the head of the turkey decoy. Further, the mounting rodsweeping backward means the mounting rodmoving back toward vertical in the direction away from the head of the turkey decoy.

First,shows the animal decoy systemin the OFF state and with the turkey decoyheld substantially vertical with respect to the ground.

Next,shows the animal decoy systemactivated (i.e., in the ON state). The animal decoy systemmay be activated using the remote control device. Here, the mounting rodsweeps forward from vertical in the direction of the head of the turkey decoy. Further, the mounting rodsweeps forward to its maximum range of motion. In doing so, the forward motion of the turkey decoyalong with gravity causes the turkey decoyto rock forward to its maximum with the back of slotstopping against the mounting rod.

Next,shows the animal decoy systemstill activated with the mounting rodsweeping backward a few degrees (not fully to vertical). In doing so, the backward motion of the turkey decoyalong with gravity causes the turkey decoyto rock backward to its maximum now with the front of slotstopping against the mounting rod. The action of the animal decoy systemshown inandmimic the action of a turkey's head bobbing up and down during feeding.

Next,shows the animal decoy systemstill activated. Here again, the mounting rodsweeps forward to its maximum range of motion. In doing so, the forward motion of the turkey decoyalong with gravity causes the turkey decoyto rock forward to its maximum with the back of slotstopping against the mounting rod.

Next,shows the animal decoy systemstill activated. Here again, the mounting rodsweeps backward a few degrees (not fully to vertical). In doing so, the backward motion of the turkey decoyalong with gravity causes the turkey decoyto rock backward to its maximum now with the front of slotstopping against the mounting rod. The action of the animal decoy systemshown inandmimic the action of a turkey's head bobbing up and down during feeding.

Next,shows the animal decoy systemstill activated. Here again, the mounting rodsweeps forward to its maximum range of motion. In doing so, the forward motion of the turkey decoyalong with gravity causes the turkey decoyto rock forward to its maximum with the back of slotstopping against the mounting rod.

Next,shows the animal decoy systemis returned to the OFF state and with the turkey decoyreturning to substantially vertical with respect to the ground. The animal decoy systemmay be deactivated using the remote control device.

Referring now tois a flow diagram of an example of a methodof using the animal decoy (or attracting) system,, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure. The methodmay include, but is not limited to, the following steps.

At a step, an animal decoy system is provided that includes the movable animal decoy and the remote control device. In one example and referring to, the animal decoy systemthat includes the animal decoyand the remote control deviceis provided. In another example and referring tothrough, the animal decoy systemthat includes the turkey decoyand the remote control deviceis provided.

At a step, the animal decoy system including the movable animal decoy is positioned in a desired location. In one example and referring tothrough, the animal decoy systemthat includes the turkey decoyis positioned in a desired location. For example, when using the moveable turkey decoy, the animal decoy systemmay be positioned at the edge of or in a field or in the woods in a place that is frequented by turkey.

At a step, the user positions himself/herself out of view from any target animals that may be in the vicinity, yet within view of and in close proximity to the animal decoy system. For example, the user of the animal decoy systempositions himself/herself out of view from any turkeys that may be in the vicinity, yet within view of and in close proximity to the moveable turkey decoyof the animal decoy system. Further, the user is holding the remote control device.